Council Meeting with Sevlek (Starbase 400)

Posted on Thu Jul 24th, 2014 @ 2:13am by Commander Jonathan Roebuck IV & Lieutenant Nick Archer & Lieutenant K`Wor & Sogh Varn Son of M'ron & First Ramata`tar & Fleet Admiral Sevlek & Major General Thomas Jackson & Sogh M`Kota & Ensign Vortek & Ensign Manuel Vega & Gunnery Sergeant Marcus Ermey & Gunnery Sergeant Agtx & 1st Lieutenant Taz & Corporal Nas & Corporal Warner Schmidt & Private 1st Class T'ork

2,760 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Mission 86 - Discovery
Location: Starbase 400
Timeline: MD2, 1330 hours, following 'Introductions'

ON:

Sevlek stepped out of the turbolift into the secured section and noticed the personnel assigned to security come to attention. As he neared, one of them said, "Sir, please submit to a DNA and retinal scan."

Sevlek nodded, "Very well." He did both tests, as did the two officers accompanying him. Andrenicus didn't look happy about it and Zandusky did it without complaint.

The young officer nodded to all three of them, "You're cleared for entry. Thank you for being patient.

Zandusky smiled, "Don't worry about it. You're just doing your job."

All three men walked through the entryway to the conference room afforded to the visiting members of the Federation Council and entered.

The council members, all five of them, were already there and the Vulcan Admiral and his two companions were 15 minutes early.

The Vulcan councillor spoke when she noticed the three officers, "Welcome."

Sevlek nodded his response while Zandusky and Andrenicus both responded with, "Thank you, ma'am."

Bera chim Gleer wasted no time being confrontational. "The participation of the Colonel and Captain is not required."

Thankfully, Councillor Krim saw the gesture for what is was, "They are here to support the Admiral. Even though he may not need their support to justify the decisions he has made, they came anyway." A pause as he looked at both men. "It is highly commendable to stick by your commanding officer."

Sevlek spoke, being as direct as a busy Vulcan could be, "It would be preferable if this meeting could convene and accomplish what is meant to be accomplished before its conclusion or recess. I have much to do."

The Andorian councillor, Kellerasana zh'Faila, spoke before Gleer could respond, "We understand your duties are many, Admiral, and we will attempt to not keep you from them for too long."

Sevlek nodded and Bera chim Gleer kicked it off. "Admiral, explain your reasoning for picking Starbase 400 to house your command center."

Zandusky saw the Andorian councillor start to roll her eyes at the Tellarite and then stop. Andorians were the exact opposite of Vulcans. They did not hide their emotions, they let them through. The Bajoran Councillor saw her gesture and smirked slightly before recomposing himself.

Sevlek looked directly at Gleer. A look that Zandusky and Andrenicus knew was as close as the Vulcan Admiral got to expressing irritation. It was a most effective tool when used with junior officers. "Starbase 400 is significantly larger than Deep Space 14 and capable of handling the logistical concerns of a large scale operation. It was the logical choice."

Krim Aldos spoke next, "Why is the Gladiator still on station and not actively on a shakedown mission?"

"The Gladiator is under my direct command. In the official sense, I am the Commanding Officer of the ship and Captain Zandusky serves as its Executive Officer. The Gladiator has participated in several actions and assignments, as well as Captain Zandusky's testing of the systems."

Andrenicus was beginning to feel like coming here was a bad idea. They were asking questions that had easily explained answers and asking for information that was easily accessible with their security clearance if they simply accessed the personnel and starship duty assignment databases.

Earth's representative to the Federation Council, Matthew Mazibuko, had been quiet until this point, when he asked, "Admiral, do you feel that we are wasting your time with this visit and questioning?"

Sevlek regarded the man and after a moment responded simply, "Yes."

The answer seemed to shock at least 3 of the Council members. T'Latrek only responded by raising her right eyebrow. Gleer looked like someone slapped him. Mazibuko looked petulant at the response. Councillor zh'Faila frowned and the Bajoran simply smiled.

It was Krim who spoke next, "I have to admit, Admiral. It's rare and refreshing to get so direct an answer." He paused as he looked directly at T'Latrek. "I was against this visit to begin with. I believed your reports and the reasons you listed were very direct and to the point and as a former member of the Bajoran Militia, I think they made sense from a tactical standpoint."

Krim Aldos paused, "My question though, with all of that said, is why were the negotiations held on Deep Space 14?"

"I assigned direct responsibility for the negotiations to Admiral Bremer's diplomatic officers and gave them the latitude to choose where to conduct the negotiations."

T'Latrek looked at each of the councillors then at Sevlek. "Thank you admiral, that will be all for now."

Sevlek nodded and then left with Andrenicus and Zandusky closely behind.


Ops

Meanwhile, K’Wor had returned to Ops. He glanced at the duty roster at Tactical Two. Hughes was on duty on the VIP level, on the deck set aside for the Councilors. Other Security personnel on duty there were Ramata’tar, Varn, Vortek, and Vega as well as several Marines, Ermey, Agtx, Taz, T’ork, Nas, Vaal, and Schmidt. K’Wor smiled a moment, realizing how ‘unhappy’ Captain T'Sen would be with a Jem’Hadar, two Klingons, a Vulcan, Gorn, Krazzle, Naussican, four Humans on duty there right now...and one of those Humans, Corporal Vaal, was new to Starbase 400 at that.


Marine Country

Major Jackson spent his time unwinding from being in the presence of what he considered stiff necks. He at least respected the Tellerite due to the fact that he spoke his mind. No, he didn't LIKE the Tellerite, just respected him. T'Sen was another story. Due to the fact that after making a scene about his men's loyalty, he was too quiet during the VIP reception. Jackson's guess was that T'Sen did not have "the power cells" to back his little tantrums. Jackson had neither admiration, or respect for that POG. Not including his detatched marines, his elite security unit of Vulcan mechanics and clerks were doing well with their patrol, and guard assignments in or around the VIP section. His regular marines maintained their routine, and no POG was going to change that.

In one of the ready rooms, Aquila's squad was taking their turn on standby QRF. They were the only marines on the station that remained on condition 2 throughout the VIP visit. Tee rest of the First Division remained on condition 3. On a good note, the FORECON Group had plenty of time to study station floor plans, and schematics. If they were actually activated, the station would feel more like home ground.

T'Lyn walked in, "Is everything alright Major?" She asked looking at him. "Is there anything that needs to be done?" T'Lyn asked looking at him without emotion.

"Sure Major. When you are not doing security walk throughs, can you keep tabs on Captain T'Sen. If he does not trust us, maybe we need not trust him either."

"Understood," T'Lyn replied as she headed out of Marine Country to do her work.

As part of Jax's paperwork duties, he usually has to go through the Marine Directive Updates that come in frequently. After all, generals love to change things. The one he was viewing now made him laugh. It read: The current designation for all FORECON groups will be changed to MARSOC groups. Effective immediately. Jax thought out loud, "FORECON, MARSOC, whatever, why don't they just call them RECON anymore? Aquila is going to love this."


M'Kota's Quarters

M'Kota was glad to be relieved from duty she needed some sleep as she been on duty for awhile and needed some rest and nurishment. She got something to eat and then when she finished she took a shower and went to bed until her next shift started or something of emergency came up.


Somewhere near the VIP level

Corporal Vaal stopped at the computer display screen. "Computer: display layout of this level." Olga ordered the computer. She was lost yet again. Star Base 400 was bigger than any other place she had been assigned. Looking at the screen she got herself orientated and continued on her way.

She arrived on SB 400 during a Star Fleet dog and pony show. Odd part was there wasn't much of a show. Olga was no expert on politics but one thing she did know was politicians love the spotlight. Getting their face broadcast all over Federation space seemed to be their one driving goal.

Olga could honestly care less about them. They did make life a little more irritable when they were around. Some hack who she had never heard of before nor will probably ever see again gives her a superficial compliment and she has to thank them with a stupid grin on her face. Almost made her wish she was stuck on some rock out in the middle of space getting shot at by some Xeno soldier.

"This still was more interesting than civilian life." Olga thought to herself.


Ops

Roebuck was in Ops, feeling ‘cooped’ up. He knew Command wasn’t for him, he wanted to be in the field, doing what he knew how to do.

He watched as three ships arrive at the Station, an Intrepid class ship and two freighters. After a few moments, Archer looked back at him.

“Commander, Captain Clifford has returned to the Station, but he’s noted that he is still on Leave until next week.” Archer reported.

‘Damn, that close to being back in Security’ Roebuck thought to himself. “Acknowledge the message.”

Roebuck then walked back over to Tactical Two and continued to monitor the VIP area.

After a few moments, the comm beeped. Roebuck pressed the button and second later an Andorian Lieutenant appeared on the main viewer in Ops.

“I’m Doctor Re’all, I’, looking for Admiral Bremer.” The Lieutenant calmly said.

“Admiral Bremer is off the Station, I’m Commander Roebuck, can I assist you?”

“Yes. I’m sending you an incident report involving an Officer assigned to Starbase 400, Major David Hurd. He’s been severely injured in a rock climbing accident. He’s been stabilized, and will need many months of recovery and rehab. He has been discharged from the Marine Corps due to the nature of the injuries. His wife, General Dart-Hurd is at his side and they will be returning to Starbase 400 once we release Major…Mister Hurd.”

Roebuck wasn’t expect that kind of news, especially about someone on their honeymoon. “Understood” he paused as he looked at the report Re’all sent, “I’ll inform our Medical Staff and Senior Officers.”

The Andorian Doctor nodded, then closed the channel. Roebuck looked over the report again, then forwarded it to the Medical Staff, Admiral Bremer, Admiral T’Lar, Admiral Sevlek, and Acting Marine CO Jackson.


Marine Country

Jax remained seated as he stared at the message that Roebuck just sent him. As per policy, he immediately sent a message to Corps Command. As he waited for a replay, he compiled a quick letter to General Dart-Hurd, expressing both his regrets over Colonel Hurd's injuries, and offers of assistance. Then he had to inform the only other senior officer in the Division.

"Major T'Lyn, report to the Marine CP immediately"

"On my way," T'Lyn replied as she turned and made her way back to Marine Ops. After a few minutes she arrived and walked in to find Jackson. "Reporting as you ordered," T'Lyn stated as she sensed that something was up. "What is going on sir? You seem troubled." T'Lyn added looking at him.

Jax stared at the message one more time, and took a sip of water from a cup on the desk. He had to make an extra effort to clear his throat before speaking. Based on his last interaction with Colonel Hurd, Jax had hopes of a great working relationship. That was now gone. "Colonel Hurd got into an accident while on his leave. His injuries are debilitating." He waited for his statement to sink in.

She looked at him for a moment, "That is unfortunate, I am sure he will recover." T'Lyn stated as she wasn't sure what to say. She wasn't sure of human emotion or even what to say at a time like this.

"You are right, he will recover. But not in the Corps. " Jax did not want to use the term medical discharge, which was considered a fate comparable to death to most marines of the old breed. Jax also considered Hurd a new friend, which did not make things easier. "Due to the nature of his injuries, and because of his eligibility, the Colonel Hurd's status is now Retired."

Just then, a reply came to Jax from Corps Command. Jax read the message to himself first. Then he looked up at the Major. "Effective immediately, I am now in Command of the 1st Marine Division."

T'Lyn blinked, "That is very unfortunate, I am sorry for what had happen and really not sure what to say." T'Lyn stated not trying to sound cold, "Congrats," T'Lyn stated looking at him.

That is the first time Jax ever heard a Vulcan shorten a word the way humans did. He also wasn't sure if she was saying sorry for Colonel Hurd's injuries, or sorry that Jax just had a division dropped on his lap. He was going to assume both. "Thank you Major. Oh, and for the time being, you will be acting as my XO."

"Understood sir," T'Lyn stated as she looked at him. She then after the meeting was over decided she go and get her work done.

After his meeting with T'Lyn, Jackson made a quick trip to the Marine Quartermaster before going to the QRF Ready Room. He had to pick up a surprise for his friend Gaius. As he walked in, he could see the QRF engaged in many activities including weapons maintenance, equipment checks, studying station layout, and general chatter. He spotted Gaius Aquila in the corner, studying station layout.

"How's my favorite gladiator?" he said to his old friend.

Gaius always took pleasure in his friend's company. "Good Jax. Just fighting boredom."

"Good. I have something that might bring a little excitement into your life. Follow me."

The two marines stepped out of the ready room, and took a short stroll in Marine Country. "So what's going on in the rest of the world?"

"Well Gaius, I just got full command of this division."

Giaus knew this would happen eventually, but not so soon. "Well done Jax. Except it will be hell running a division, and playing ninja leader."

Gaius was making this too easy Jackson thought. "Funny that you should say that. That's why you are getting command of the 1st MARSOC Group."

Gaius now thought that Jax was joking. "You almost had me Jax, except regs call for an officer to run a group.."

Jax interrupted him. "You are correct. A group has to be run by an officer, or a Warrant Officer." Jax handed Gaius a small box.

"You're playing with me now."

"Nope. Due to your time in service, and rank, I could not punish you by giving you a field commission. But your time in, and your file qualifies you for Staff Warrant Officer. Congrats....Sir."

Gaius opened the box, and behold, a pair of W2 rank insignia. "Thanks Jax, I think."



Ops

Captain Yoshi Baldwin, Commanding Officer of the USS Shadow had placed a call to Starbase 400 and awaited an answer. "Commander Roebuck you have a incoming transmission from the USS Shadow," M'Kota stated as she looked over at him.

Roebuck nodded, "On screen." A moment later, the main viewer in Ops came to life with the face of Captain Baldwin. "Captain, how may be assist?"

"Yes Commander, I am informing you of my return to Starbase 400. Unfortunately not by my own power. The USS Courageous is towing us home as we have lost our warp Nacelle in the fight. We will be in need of repairs." Yoshi stated looking at him.

Roebuck nodded, "We'll have damage control teams ready to board the Shadow as soon as you arrive. We'll have tugs standing by at the inner marker to tow you in. We'll also have medical teams standing by to assist with wounded."

"Thank you Commander we will be there within the hour," Yoshi stated and the comm channel closed.

Roebuck waited for the comm to close, then tapped his commbadge, "Doctor Romans, stand by to receive wounded from the USS Shadow, she'll be docking within the hour. Damage Control Teams Two and Four stand by to board the USS Shadow when she docks to assist in repairs."


tbc...

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